Holster

ABSTRACT

A holster for revolvers and like sidearms is provided which can be worn at the user&#39;&#39;s waist. The holster is formed of plastic and includes a clamshell member which permits the pistol to be drawn with an upward, a forward, or a combination upward and forward motion. A novel mounting member can be inserted inside the user&#39;&#39;s trousers waistband, and a clip member secures the holster and mounting member to the user&#39;&#39;s garment.

United States Patent 1191 Rogers 14 1 Sept. 2, 1975 [73] Assignee: AlphaPlastics, Inc., Jacksonville,

Fla.

22 Filed: Nov. 21, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 308,475

[52] US. Cl. 224/2 B; 224/2 C [51] Int. Cl. F4lb 13/04 [58] Field ofSearch 224/2 B, 2 D, 2 C, 2 A, 224/2E,2F,1R,5R,26R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 307,655 11/1884 Jacob 224/2B 653,779 7/1900 Phillips 224/2 B 1,903,084 3/1933 Arth 224/2 B2,001,321 5/1935 Berns 224/2 B 2,037,132 4/1936 Hoyt 224/2 B 2,546,7743/1951 Ohlemeyer 224/2 B 3,252,639 5/1966 Sloan 3,630,420 12/1971Bianchi 224/2 B Primary Eraminer-Robert J. Spar Assistant ExaminerJeroldM. Forsberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm-George H. Baldwin; Arthur G. Yeager[57] ABSTRACT A holster for revolvers and like sidearms is providedwhich can be worn at the users waist. The holster is formed of plasticand includes a clamshell member which permits the pistol to be drawnwith an upward, a forward, or a combination upward and forward motion. Anovel mounting member can be inserted inside the users trouserswaistband, and a clip member secures the holster and mounting member tothe users garment. 1

12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 2 I975 sum 1 0 2 HOLSTERBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to holstersand more particularly concerns easy-touse holsters for relatively smallrevolvers and like sidearms which are to be worn at the users waist.

Law enforcement agencies, military personnel and others have long madeextensive use of relatively small handguns carried. in a more or lessconcealed position, at the waist of the user. Holsters for such sidearmswhich are easy to use and which are inexpensive are thus in constantdemand among persons who find it necessary to bear such arms. Numerousattempts have been made over a long period to provide holsters for suchweapons which positively retain the associated weapon even while theuser is running or undergoing other activity. However, it is necessarythat the holster construction allow the pistol to be rapidly withdrawnsince instantaneous use of the weapon is occasionally vital to the userslife and safety. At present, no such holster has adequately met thesedemands at an economical cost despite this well-known and long-feltwant.

It is accordingly a general object of the invention to provide a holsterfor a sidearm which permits the sidearm to be unholstered rapidly, yetwhich retains the sidearm positively when not in use. A more specificobject of the invention is to provide a holster which positively retainsthe sidearm, even when the wearer is running or undergoing similaractivity, yet which permits the sidearm to be quickly drawn with aforward motion, an upward motion, or a combination forward and upwardaction. A related object is to provide a holster which preventswithdrawal of the piston by a rearward motion, as might be attempted bya surprise adversary.

Another object is to provide a holster wherein the resilientweapon-gripping or retaining effect of the holster can be adjusted.

It is another object of the invention to provide a holster which can becarried upon the holster users body at a pre-designated using position,so that the carried firearm is positioned for rapid access.

A related object is to provide a holster having a holster mount whichwill snugly fit the contours of the users body, thereby permitting thesidearm to be carried snugly upon the users person. Another relatedobject is to provide a holster which can be secured to and positivelylocked upon the clothing of the user without the use of straps or othercumbersome devices.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a holster which islight, strong, durable, and inexpensively manufactured.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational viewshowing the novel holster and a contained firearm;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view showing the holster in furtherdetail;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the holster showingother details of the holster parts;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially in the plane of line 4-4in FIG. 2 showing the holster in yet further detail;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 3 showing in furtherdetail the alternate embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially in the planeof line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing in further detail portions of the holstersecuring parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the invention will bedescribed in connection with preferred embodiments, it will beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the invention.

Turning more specifically to the drawings, there is shown the novellight weight and inexpensive holster 10 of the present inventioncarrying an exemplary pistol 11. It will be understood that other formsof pistols and, indeed, other objects can be carried in a suitablymodified holster without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In accordance with the invention, the pistol 11 may be rapidly withdrawnfrom the holster 10. To this end, a clamshell pocket member 13 is formedof a moldable and resilient thermoplastic material such asacrylonitrile-butadiene styrene or a phenylene oxide based resin. Forexample, one such material which has been found useful in constructingthese novel holsters is a thermoplastic material marketed under thetrade name Noryl by the General Electric Company. During formation ofthe holster, this material is warmed to its softening range and thenmolded to the general contours of the pistol 11 to be carried in theholster.

The clamshell pocket member 13 is provided with a resilient innercovering 15 such as leather or other ma terial which will prevent thecarried pistol 11 from being marred or scuffed. If desired, the outersurfaces of the clamshell member 13 and other parts of the hol sterhereinafter described can also be covered with leather, or the surfacescan be provided with a nonreflective black finish, or surfaced in someother desirable known manner.

The resilient clamshell pocket member 13, is, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and5, formed of a single piece 16 of the resilient material and is providedwith a slit 17 along the front side 18 of the holster. The slit ends 19and 20 of the pocket member 13 are resiliently biased toward one anotherto form a slip side opening which permits quick removal of the pistol 11from the holster by a forward motion. Alternatively, the pistol may beinstantly readied for use by drawing it with an upward motion, or with acombined forward and upward motion, in accordance with the preference ofthe user. To further facilitate this drawing action, the ends 19 and 20forming the slit 17 are tapered from a relatively open position near theholster top to a closed position at the bottom, as illustrated in FIGS.2 and 5.

As can be envisioned, withdrawal of the pistol from the holster causesan outer side 21 of the clamshell member 13 to be urged away from aninner side 22, thereby permitting rapid withdrawal and use of thepistol. However, when the pistol is carried within the holster, theresilient squeezing effect imparted by the sides 21 and 22 to the pistolencourage retention of the pistol in the holster. It is a feature of theinvention that the force of the resilient squeezing effect can beadjusted by loosening or tightening an adjusting screw 23 which engagesa nut 24 outer fastener 24 located in a convenient place adjacent theclamshell inner side 22.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pistol 11 isfurther positively retained in the holster even during running or otherstrenuous activities. This additional retaining effect is imparted by abow portion 25 formed at the rear 26 of the holster and adapted toengage the top 27, side 28, and bottom 29 of the piston trigger guard30. However. the holster is generally open at its top. and the pistoltrigger guard and trigger are, if desired, entirely exposed. therebypermitting the pistol 11 to be quickly withdrawn and readied for use bya generally upward, forward, or combined motion as described above.

It is another feature of the invention that this novel holster l0permits the pistol 11 to be carried in an easily accessible but more orless concealed position at the bearers waist. When the pistol is carriedin such a posi' tion, it is important that the hammer mechanism 32 notbecome snagged upon the clothing or body of the wearer as the gun 11 iscarried or as it is being drawn for use. To this end. a resilient flapmember 34 is mounted at the front of the pocket member 13 and positionedto cover the pistol hammer mechanism 32. In the illustrated embodiment,the flap member 32 can be formed of a leather or other pliable materialwhich will not interfere with rapid removal of the pistol from theholster.

ln further accordance with this aspect of the invention, the novelholster can be easily secured to the clothing of the wearer in a desiredaccess position. This is accomplished by providing the holster with amounting member 35 which is secured to the pocket member 13, as byrivets 36 or other convenient means, in such manner that the mountingmember 35 is biased toward the inner side 22 of the pocket member 13.This mounting member 35 can also be formed of the above describedplastic materials, and conforms in general shape to the holster usersanatomy. In further accordance with the invention, the mounting member35 is inserted inside the users trousers top or other clothing. andadjacent his body, thereby permitting the pistol to be carried snuglyupon the users person with the pistol butt adjacent the user's body. Agroove 36 is provided to accomodate the belt 37 of the user toadditionally retain the holster in the described snug position.

To prevent the holster from working or riding its way upwards andresultant accidental loss from the users belt 37, a holster clip member38 is affixed to the rear 39 of the pocket member 13. At its upper end.the clip member 38 is provided with a flange portion 40 extending awayfrom the pocket member 13 and toward the mounting member 35, and isadapted to engage the holster user's belt and the outer surfaces of hisclothing.

The holster 11 can be kept from moving laterally along the users belt37, in accordance with another feature of the invention. As illustrated,the flange 40 of the clip member 38 can comprise a plurality of prongs42, 43 spaced apart to accomodate the users pants belt loopstherebetween. When the holster is worn in the described position, thepistol is always carried in a position of ready access by the user. Analternate structure for carrying the holster on the users clothes isshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Strain upon the rivets 36 and other parts andwear upon the users clothes can be relieved by including a space memberbetween the mounting member 35 and the clamshell member 13. Security ofattachment to the users clothes can be enhanced by forming a hole 52,and by including a simple prong 53 on the flange portion 40 of the clipmember 38. The prong 53 is adapted to fit into the mounting member hole52.

The holster thus provided may be worn by the user by inserting themounting member 35 inside the top waist band of the users trousers orother garment and urging the holster downwardly until the holster isfirmly seated. When the holster shown in the first embodiment of theinvention is so positioned, the retaining prongs 42, 43 are locatedadjacent the trousers belt as illustrated and the pants belt loop ispositioned between the prongs 42, 43. When the holster shown in thesecond embodiment is so positioned, the prong 53 and surrounding hole 52firmly grasp the cloth or other material of the supporting garment. Ineither embodiment, the light weight holster is thus located in apredetermined position permitting quick and positive access to thecontained pistol 11, and the pistol is positively retained in thcholster until its removal is desired.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shapedobjects comprising a rigid moldable thermoplastic member having a foldand forming a clamshell pocket of a molded shape to generally conform toa pistol disposable within said pocket, said pocket having a slip frontopening for ready removable of a pistol therefrom. said pocket impartinga resilient squeezing effect to a pistol cylinder and barrel to inhibitinadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom, saidpocket having a front side panel with a top edge and an open bow portionin said top edge adjacent the fold thereof for substantially completelyexposing a side of a trigger of a pistol, said open bow portion permitting grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning ofa users trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol fromsaid pocket, said pocket having an unyielding non-adj ustable stop meansfor engaging a rear portion ofa trigger guard of a pistol therebyinhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in anupward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forwardand upward direction.

2. A holster according to claim 1 wherein said pocket includes a fullyopen bottom to inhibit the collection of moisture and debris therein.

3. A holster according to claim 1 wherein said holster includesadjusting means for adjusting said resilient squeezing effect impartedto a pistol by said pocket, said adjusting means comprising an adjustingscrew having a head for engaging the outer side of said pocket. and ascrew-engaged fastener located on the inner side of said pocketv 4. Aholster according to claim 1 including a resilient flap member mountedat the front of pocket and positioned for covering the pistol hammermechanism to prevent snagging the hammer.

5. A holster according to claim 1 including a mounting member formed ofamoldable and resilient thermoplastic material, said mounting memberbeing biased toward said pocket and extending substantially over oneside of said pocket said mounting member having an irregular profileconforming in general shape to the irregular profile of the holsterusers body and inner surface of the holster users clothing. and a clipmemvber affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extendingaway from said pocket and toward said mounting member, said flangeportion being adapted to engage the holster users belt and the outersurface of the holster users clothing thereby preventing inadvertentloss of said holster.

6. A holster according to claim 1 including a clip member affixed tosaid pocket and having a flange portion extending away from the pocketmember, said clip flange portion comprising a plurality of prongs spacedapart to accommodate the users pants belt loop therebetween.

7. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shapedobjects having a rear trigger guard, the holster including a unitaryclamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of theho]- sterable object, said pocket member being resilient and slit alongthe front portion thereof, the slit ends of said resilient member beingbiased toward one another to impart a resilient squeezing effect to apistol barrel and cylinder to inhibit inadvertent removal of a pistolforwardly or downwardly therefrom and to maintain a pistol in apredetermined position in said holster, said slit ends forming a slipside opening smoothly tapered from a relatively open position near theholster top to a closed position near the bottom for quick removal of apistol, said pocket member having an open bow including an unyieldingnon-adjustable stop means for engaging the rear of said pistol triggerguard to encourage retention of the pistol in said holster therebyinhibiting inadvertent removal of the pistol in all directions exceptforwardly through said slip side opening and forwardly and upwardly outof the open top of said holster.

8. A holster for pistols and like holsterable irregular shaped objectscomprising a elamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to theshape of the holstcrable object, said pocket member including a rigidand forcibly resilient means. said pocket member being slit along thefront portion thereof with the side edges of said front portion beingbiased toward one another by said resilient means to impart a resilientsqueezing effect on multiple portions of a pistol disposable within saidpocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof, andinhibiting relative movement between said holster and a pistol. saidside edges forming a slip front opening for ready removal of a pistoltherefrom, said pocket member having a front side panel with a top edge,said pocket member having an open bow portion in said top edge adjacentthe rear portion of said pocket member for substantially completelyexposing a side of a trigger of a pistol and adapted to permit graspingof a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a users triggerfinger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said holster,said pocket member having an unyielding and non-adjustable stop meansfor engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposablewithin said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereofin an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction whilepermitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.

9. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said resilient member isunitary with said pocket member, said pocket member being formed ofamoldable plastic material.

10. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said slip front opening istapered from a relatively open position adjacent the top of said pocket.member to a closed position from a point spaced upwardly from the bottomof said pocket member to substantially said bottom.

11. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said stop means includes abow portion fbrming an upper portion of the rear portion of said pocketmember, said how portion being adapted to engage a rear portion and abottom portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within saidpocket member.

12. A holster according to claim 8 including a resilient flap membermounted on the front portion of said pocket member and adapted to covera hammer mechanism of a piston thereby inhibiting inadvertent snaggingof the hammer mechanism.

1. A holster for pistols and the like holsterable irregular shapedobjects comprising a rigid moldable thermoplastic member having a foldand forming a clamshell pocket of a molded shape to generally conform toa pistol disposable within said pocket, said pocket having a slip frontopening for ready removable of a pistol therefrom, said pocket impartinga resilient squeezing effect to a pistol cylinder and barrel to inhibitinadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom, saidpocket having a front side panel with a top edge and an open bow portionin said top edge adjacent the fold thereof for substantially completelyexposing a side of a trigger of a pistol, said open bow portionpermitting grasping of a handle of a pistol and simultaneous positioningof a user''s trigger finger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistolfrom said pocket, said pocket having an unyielding non-adjustable stopmeans for engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol therebyinhibiting inadvertent removal thereof in an upward direction and in anupward and rearward direction while permitting withdrawal in a forwardand upward direction.
 2. A holster according to claim 1 wherein saidpocket includes a fully open bottom to inhibit the collection ofmoisture and debris therein.
 3. A holster according to claim 1 whereinsaid holster includes adjusting means for adjusting said resilientsqueezing effect imparted to a pistol by said pocket, said adjustingmeans comprising an adjusting screw having a head for engaging the outerside of said pocket, and a screw-engaged fastener located on the innerside of said pocket.
 4. A holster according to claim 1 including aresilient flap member mounted at the front of pocket and positioned forcovering the pistol hammer mechanism to prevent snagging the hammer. 5.A holster according to claim 1 including a mounting member formed of amoldable and resilient thermoplastic material, said mounting memberbeing biased toward said pocket and extending substantially over oneside of said pocket said mounting member having an irregular profileconforming in general shape to the irregular profile of the holsteruser''s body and inner surface of the holster user''s clothing, and aclip member affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extendingaway from said pocket and toward said mounting member, said flangeportion being adapted to engage the holster user''s belt and the outersurface of the holster user''s clothing thereby preventing inadvertentloss of said holster.
 6. A holster according to claim 1 including a clipmember affixed to said pocket and having a flange portion extending awayfrom the pocket member, said clip flange portion comprising a pluralityof prongs spaced apart to accommodate the user''s pants belt looptherebetween.
 7. A holster for pistols and the like holsterableirregular shaped objects having a rear trigger guard, the holsterincluding a unitary clamshell pocket member molded to generally conformto the shape of the holsterable object, said pocket member beingresilient and slit along the front portion thereof, the slit ends ofsaid resilient member being biased toward one another to impart aresilient squeezing effect to a pistol barrel and cylinder to inhibitinadvertent removal of a pistol forwardly or downwardly therefrom and tomaintain a pistol in a predetermined position in said holster, said slitends forming a slip side opening smoothly tapered from a relatively openposition near the holster top to a closed position near the bottom forquick removal of a pistol, said pocket member having an open bowincluding an unyielding non-adjustable stop means for engaging the rearof said pistol trigger guard to encourage retention of the pistol insaid holster thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal of the pistol in alldirections except forwardly through said slip side opening and forwardlyand upwardly out of the open top of said holster.
 8. A holster forpistols and like holsterable irregular shaped objects comprising aclamshell pocket member molded to generally conform to the shape of theholsterable object, said pocket member including a rigid and forciblyresilient means, said pocket member being slit along the front portionthereof with the side edges of said front portion being biased towardone another by said resilient means to impart a resilient squeezingeffect on multiple portions of a pistol disposable within said pocketmember thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof, and inhibitingrelative movement between said holster and a pistol, said side edgesforming a slip front opening for ready removal of a pistol therefrom,said pocket member having a front side panel with a top edge, saidpocket member having an open bow portion in said top edge adjacent therear portion of said pocket member for substantially completely exposinga side of a trigger of a pistol and adapted to permit grasping of ahandle of a pistol and simultaneous positioning of a user''s triggerfinger on a trigger during withdrawal of a pistol from said holster,said pocket member having an unyielding and non-adjustable stop meansfor engaging a rear portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposablewithin said pocket member thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal thereofin an upward direction and in an upward and rearward direction whilepermitting withdrawal in a forward and upward direction.
 9. A holsteraccording to claim 8 wherein said resilient member is unitary with saidpocket member, said pocket member being formed of a moldable plasticmaterial.
 10. A holster according to claim 8 wherein said slip frontopening is tapered from a relatively open position adjacent the top ofsaid pocket member to a closed position from a point spaced upwardlyfrom the bottom of said pocket member to substantially said bottom. 11.A holster according to claim 8 wherein said stop means includes a bowportion forming an upper portion of the rear portion of said pocketmember, said bow portion being adapted to engage a rear portion and abottom portion of a trigger guard of a pistol disposable within saidpocket member.
 12. A holster according to claim 8 including a resilientflap member mounted on the front portion of said pocket member andadapted to cover a hammer mechanism of a piston thereby inhibitinginadvertent snagging of the hammer mechanism.